Indian Football: Whom would FIFA-AFC officials meet in India?

The officials would only meet one state association in the country and are also expected to see a few second division I-League teams…

A two-member team comprising of Nic Coward, a consultant to FIFA and Alex Phillips, Head of AFC- UEFA Affairs, are expected to meet stakeholders in Indian football in the next 10 days or so.

The idea is to take stock of the situation by going through the contract details between the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and their marketing and commercial partners in IMG-Reliance.

Thereafter, they would also meet the clubs from the I-League, the Indian Super League (ISL) and the I-League Second Division with the delegation expected to travel to Delhi, Chennai, Goa, Mumbai, Guwahati, Kolkata and back to the national capital.

Interestingly, they have also scheduled a meeting with Indian Football Association (IFA), the state football association of West Bengal, in Kolkata.

All the clubs have to prepare a presentation based on what their vision-mission statement is, how much losses they have incurred, how many fans attend their games over the course of last three seasons, whether they comply with the AFC and National club licensing, their programmes for youth development and grassroot and more.

Coward and Phillips would also discuss key issues with IMG-Reliance in Mumbai concerning the roadmap for Indian football.

Among the I-League clubs, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Chennai City, Neroca FC, Aizawl FC, Shillong Lajong and Churchill Brothers will have an opportunity to share their views with the FIFA-AFC delegation.

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Fateh Hyderabad, Kenkre FC and Delhi United have also been granted an opportunity to meet and discuss their concerns.

NorthEast United FC and Kerala Blasters haven’t yet confirmed their availability to meet the FIFA-AFC officials at the time of publishing this piece.